The WSD Productivity Method

My readers know that I geek out on formal methods of productivity enhancement. Any system that allows me to complete my work in a timely and orderly fashion is worth exploration. Apps, hardware, tips, tricks…all of it is ripe for consideration and evaluation.

During the past few years, as I investigated everything from GTD to the Noguchi Filing System, I collected the various schools of thought and rendered all of it down to a system of my own. It’s simple but powerful. Complex but accessible. Chaotic but Zen.

It’s called Write Shit Down (WSD).

Here’s how it works.

REQUIRED HARDWARE

Hand

Opposable thumb(s)

Pen

Piece of paper

REQUIRED SOFTWARE

Average fine motor skills

Working knowledge of your preferred alphabet

USE

Capture ideas, tasks, lists, missives and so on (read: STUFF) through a clever marriage of hardware and software. Grip pen (hardware) and apply (software) to paper (hardware), then draw (software) letters that form words which are related to the task/list/missive at hand.

BONUS ROUND

For enhanced effectiveness, consider these add-ons.

Look at resulting list at regular intervals

Acquire a spouse whose exasperated disappointment reinforces need for the WSD system

Mortgage

Prescription stimulants

If you implement WSD, let me know how it goes. In fact, write yourself a reminder to do so. Now. Like, right now.